Glory Lily

These dramatic glory lilies (gloriosa rothschildiana) originate in South Africa and will be happy in a conservatory, or a well-lit window or porch, producing bright exotic flowers throughout the summer and autumn. In milder parts it will also be happy to spend the summer on a patio or balcony – but they do need to be protected from frost.

Your Glory Lily will appreciate a sunny spot near a window. However try to avoid strong direct sunlight if possible and place it a little way back from the window glass to avoid scorching.

Whilst the plants are in small pots you will need to water regularly especially if in a warm spot. However don’t worry if you let it dry out between waterings – the compost does not need to be wet, just slightly damp. Whilst flowering, it will also benefit from a general purpose feed added to the water every few waterings.

Cut off dead flowers to encourage more buds and train the plant upwards – it is a climber by nature. These plants grow from tubers and will naturally die back towards the end of Autumn. At that time the foliage should be allowed to die right back before gently lifting the tubers and storing as bulbs in a cool dry area ready for next year.

In the spring snap the ‘horseshoe’ tuber in two and plant the two pieces horizontally in large pots with rich, well draining potting compost to create 2 new plants.

Problem solving Brown edges or tips to the leaves is a sure sign of scorching, try moving back from any window glass to a slightly less sunny spot.

In the autumn your plant will begin to shrivel and die back, this is natural and a response to the lower light levels, reduce the amount you are watering to ensure the soil does not get waterlogged and once the goodness has been reabsorbed back into the tubers then lift and store them for the winter.

Yellow leaves in the spring or summer, are normally a sign that your plant is lacking nutrients. A good dose of general house plant feed should perk it up. If you find that you are struggling to keep up wit h the watering you can always repot your plant into a larger pot.